BACKYARD BROADCASTING MAY 10, 2021

WARRIOR RUN SCHOOL DISTRICT CONSTRUCTION PROJECT

After only one month into construction, the Warrior Run School District’s $37 million construction project, which includes an elementary school and stadium, will meet the projected completion date of August 2022. The three story elementary school, which was approved in 2019, will be able to accommodate upwards of 850 students, according to the SUN Gazette.

JAIL TIME FOR HEROIN CHARGES

A Williamsport man, responsible for  heroin overdoses,  received a 25 year prison sentence. Raymond Howard, sentenced to 300 months’ imprisonment followed by a four-year term of supervised release,  by U.S. Middle District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann. According to Acting U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Howard’s distribution of a mixture of heroin and Carfentanil in 2017 caused UPMC Susquehanna in Williamsport and Wellsboro to treat 51 such cases of overdoses within a 48-hour period, according to an online media outlet.

FENTANYL CHARGES TO WILLIAMSPORT MAN 

In charges filed April 26, Williamsport man delivered fentanyl to a confidential informant in 2019. Nazeer K. Burks, 27, is accused by Lycoming County Detective Kevin M. Dent of delivering suspected heroin, which turned out to be fentanyl, three times in 2019, according to northcentralpa.com. Burks was charged with multiple felony counts and confined to the Lycoming County Prison since April 16 in lieu of $85,000 monetary bail set by Lycoming County Magisterial District Judge Christian D. Frey.

 CHARGES FOR PROVIDING A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE TO A JUVENILE 

When a juvenile became very ill from smoking marijuana, city police tracked down Ariana Noel Guiser, 19, charged her on April 20 with multiple misdemeanors. According to Williamsport Bureau of Police Guiser gave marijuana to a juvenile in the 800 block of West 3rd Street. At 7:10 p.m. on March 20, emergency crews were dispatched to a residence for a possible overdose. There, the juvenile told police where they could find Guiser and Travis Johnson. According to northcentralpa.com, Johnson was also charged with one misdemeanor count of intentional possession of a controlled substance by a person not registered.

WILLIAMSPORT CITY BODYCAMS

Williamsport Bureau of Police Chief Damon Hagan, lead of Lycoming County’s largest police department, has expressed an interest in body cameras for his officers. Mayor Derek Slaughter noted the interest has been there for many years and the department has his full support. With a price tag of upwards of $190,000, funding could be the biggest burden, according to northcentralpa.com. Other valley police departments have implemented use of police body cameras with success. Departments such as the City of Sunbury and the Borough of Northumberland use the cameras and Point Township Police will implement the technology this month.

 MAIL IN DEADLINE FOR MAY 18 PRIMARY

Tuesday, May 11 at 5pm is the last day for Pennsylvania registered voters to apply for a mail-in or civilian absentee ballot for the May 18 primary election. According to therecordonline.com,  there are two vote-by-mail options in Pennsylvania: Any registered voter can apply for a mail-in ballot without a reason. Absentee ballots are for voters away from their election precinct on election day, or have an illness or disability preventing their in-person voting.

SEXUAL ASSAULT OF A JUVENILE IN SNYDER COUNTY

A Selinsgrove man was charged with sexually assaulting a young girl in Union County. Justyn Holmes, 42, now faces multiple felonies and misdemeanors. The incidents reportedly began in June 2008 when the girl was 6 years old, according to the Pennsylvania State Police arrest affidavit and continued until December 2010, according to northcentralpa.com. Charges were filed against Holmes on April 27 at the office of District Judge Jeffrey C. Mensch in Mifflinburg.

150 TH LYCOMING COUNTY FAIR

Signs of normalcy continue to return to the area as the 150th  Lycoming County Fair is confirmed for July 14 to 24 at the fairgrounds in Hughesville. Technically, last year was the fair’s 150th year but it was canceled due to the pandemic. The fair, which started in 1868, only canceled two other times during World War II, according to an online media outlet. For the 2021 season, fair goers can expect rides, food vendors, demolition derbies, tractor pulls and of course, the animals. The fair also will have a few new shows and activities that will be announced in two weeks.

DEATH A FCI ALLENWOOD

According to WNEP, following a fight on Saturday at FCI Allenwood, Union County, an inmate is dead.  According to the Department of Justice, two inmates were fighting. Adrian Payne, 50, was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries and later died.  A second inmate, whose name was not released, was treated at the prison for minor injuries.  Payne was charged in New York and serving a life sentence for racketeering, murder, drug, and gun charges.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING MAY 7, 2021

CROSSCUTTERS ON UPCOMING RELAXED MANDATES

Following the Governor Tom Wolf’s orders, 33 of the Cutters’ 34 home games in the first year of the MLB Draft League will be able to have as many fans as Bowman Field can hold. According to SUN Gazette, the home opener on May 25, is the only event subject to limitations at sports stadiums including capacity at 50% and 6 feet social distancing. The relaxed mandates forced the Cutters to shut down its online ticketing system temporarily. The availability of single-game tickets to the general public has also been put on hold until the middle of next week.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS LOOKING FOR STATE FUNDING

Public school superintendents spoke at the PA Schools Work Campaign Regional press conference at the district service center yesterday, warning that a “flat funding” model of state aid to districts won’t meet educational needs and can result in tax increases with fewer services now and in the future. Federal funding was not advised for reoccurring costs to the districts. However, one example of a recurring cost is cyber charter tuition. Those expenses are increasing by nearly $500,000 or 21 percent in Williamsport.

NO MEMORIAL PARADE IN MUNCY BOROUGH 

Muncy Borough Council turned down a request from the Muncy Veterans of Foreign Wars to host a Memorial Day parade citing compliance issues with Pennsylvania Department of Transportation policies. PennDOT also requires an indemnification releasing the department from liability if there is an accident or injury during the parade. In addition, condition of the route is questioned. There are safety concerns if the road is milled and not paved.

LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP ODYSSEY OF THE MIND COMPETITORS 

The Loyalsock Township School Board approved a request from Michelle Bartley, Loyalsock’s Odyssey of the Mind coordinator, for a contribution of one-third of the total expenditures for student participation in the World Finals Odyssey of the Mind Competition. The World Final Competition will be held in Orlando tentatively from June 9 through June 14. According to the SUN Gazette,the next board meeting will be at 7 p.m. May 12 at the district board room, 1605 Four Mile Drive.

CITY SURVEY FOR CITY PARKS

A community survey of city parks is the next project for the city accessibility advisory commission. The survey is a query of city residents and others offering them a chance to answer questions on their viewpoints of city parks, to ensure accessibility needs are met throughout the city. The commission also aims to gain a perspective on how much each of the city-owned parks are used, according to a media outlet.

COVID DASHBOARD FOR TODAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health released an updated COVID-19 dashboard and locally Lycoming County 27 cases; Clinton 6; Tioga 12; Sullivan 3; and Northumberland 15 cases.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2001

A bill has been introduced which could amend the Workforce Development Act of 2001 of which Pa. is not fully in compliance, according to Northcentralpa.com. The bill goal is to get our state into compliance with federal requirements of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. The bill would establish state and local workforce development boards aimed at creating  and maintaining effective programs, training, and best practices which would prepare workers for higher-paying, family-sustaining jobs.

HOMICIDE SUSPECT WAVES PRELIMINARY 

Homicide suspect Tracy Ray Rollins Jr., 29, a truck driver from Dallas, Texas, waived his right to a preliminary hearing yesterday in front of District Justice Jeffrey Mensch. Rollins is accused of slaying former model Rebecca Landrith, of Virginia,  and allegedly leaving her body off an Interstate 80 ramp near Loganton in western Union County, sometime overnight between Feb. 6 and 7. His formal arraignment is at 8:30 a.m. July 26 at the Union County Court. According to an online media outlet, the maximum penalty for criminal homicide ranges from the death penalty to life prison.

FELONY SUSPECT EXTRADITED FROM SOUTH CAROLINA

The office of Clinton County District Attorney Dave Strouse said yesterday that Terrence Summers, has been extradited from South Carolina to answer charges stemming from an incident that allegedly took place on June 21, 2019 on South Hanna Street in Castanea Township:. According to therecordonline.com, Summers faces multiple charges when, according to Pennsylvania State Police, Summers is alleged to have committed an armed robbery of the Fuel On Convenience Store, stole several items and held the store clerk at gunpoint. Summers had been lodged in the Clinton County Prison in lieu of $100,000 bail. The DA’s office said Summers subsequently posted bail and was released, pending his preliminary hearing.

Sports

High School Baseball

Central Mountain tops Hollidaysburg 6-5

St. John Neumann over Sugar Valley 5-2

Northeast Bradford tops Cowanesque Valley 8-7

Muncy over Montgomery 9-1

Central Columbia over Hughesville 11-1

High School Softball

Montgomery shut out Muncy 7-0

Central Mountain over Mifflinburg 4-2

Bucktail over Sugar Valley 21-3

Montoursville over Southern Columbia 14-1

Loyalsock over  Central Columbia 4-2

Williamsport over Hollidaysburg 12-1 (game 1)

Williamsport over Hollidaysburg 4-1 (game 2)

Warrior Run over Hughesville 6-2

Girls Track and Field

Loyalsock over Warrior Run 77-59

Boys Track and Field

Loyalsock over Warrior Run 79-60

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 6, 2021

RALLY QUESTIONED AT WILLIAMSPORT SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

During a recent Williamsport School Board Meeting, about 20 residents complained about a student run rally held at the Williamsport Area High School in April. Complaints surrounding the rally’s presence on Facebook, and whether it was a Black Lives Matter event promoting anti police sentiment and why students were permitted to do so on the taxpayer’s dime were discussed.  Timothy S. Bower, District Superintendent, spoke in support of the students and denied the claims. According to the SUN Gazette, the rally had been pre-planned by approximately 75 students with the administration, to find out if they could hold the rally without disrupting the school day.

DAY OF GIVING

The Lycoming College community rose to the occasion to support its students on April 21 during its Third Annual Day of Giving. The community, students and faculty responded overwhelmingly, resulting in 875 donors and $371,817 in 24 hours to help the college.

WILLIAMSPORT AREA SCHOOL BOARD PROPOSED BUDGET

The Williamsport Area School Board gave their approval to a proposed final budget for 2021-22 school term with a .53 mill increase in real estate taxes. Final budget approval must be by June 30. The budget will now be on display at the district office and on the district’s website for examination. The next board meeting will be May 18 at 6 pm at the high school auditorium.

WILLIAMSPORT AREA SCHOOL BOARD NEW POSITIONS APPROVED

The Williamsport Area School Board approved the addition of two new coordinators of trauma and mental health services to help to deal with a significant growth and need among students K-12 in the district. At present, the district currently employs counselors, school nurses, health room techs and  three social workers to work through mental health, trauma and truancy issues with the 5,000 students in the district.

NARCAN EVENT IN MUNCY

A UPMC and West Branch Drug and Alcohol Abuse Commission event will be held at UPMC Muncy, on Monday, May 10 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. where Narcan will be available free. Narcan is an emergency nasal spray medication that reverses opioid effects and may save someone’s life during an overdose situation. To access the event, pull into the UPMC Muncy Emergency Department parking lot off E. Water St. and look for the tent.

COVID-19 DASHBOARD RESULTS FOR OUR AREA

The Pennsylvania Department of Health had released COVID-19 dashboard results for our area. Locally,

Lycoming County has 14 new cases today; Clinton  4; Tioga 15; Sullivan  0  and Northumberland 28. Montour 4; Snyder 11; Union 13; and Centre County 40 new COVID cases listed for today.

SUNBURY MAN FOUND

Yesterday, The body of a missing Sunbury man has been found. According to Schuylkill Haven State Police, May 3, 37-year-old Brandon Marks, of Sunbury was reported missing from the Schuykill County Fairgrounds, According to an online media source, the case remains under investigation.

GOV TOM WOLF VISITS PSU

Gov. Tom Wolf joined Penn State coach James Franklin, tight end Theo Johnson and University President Eric J. Barron to encourage members of the university community to get vaccinated against COVID-19. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 10.5 million doses of the vaccine have been administered in the commonwealth or 32.3% of the population — are fully vaccinated.  For Penn State it opens the path for fans to return to Beaver Stadium for the Nittany Lions’ Sept. 11 home opener against Ball State.

REPRESENTATIVE WITH MEMO PROPOSAL

State Rep. Stephanie Borowicz announced yesterday a co-sponsorship memo seeking support for her legislation which would exclude firearms and ammunition purchases from the state sales and use tax. According to a media outlet Borowicz cited the Pennsylvania and US Constitutions in her post on social media.

NORTHUMBERLAND POLICE UPGRADES 

Mayor Daniel Berard, announced the seven full-time and two part-time police officers in the Northumberland Borough Police will have body cameras. The $14,454 investment is among several new upgrades that also include a new police vehicle, a renovated armory and a new paint job for the control room. According to the Daily Item,  Northumberland is the third valley police department to use or explore the use of body cameras. Sunbury’s $50,000 body camera system went live the end of April and Mahoning Township Police Department, in Montour County, is preparing the technology this month.

 Sports:

Maggie and Klair Fausnaught, 19 and 17, both Williamsport High School students, are heading to the Level 9 Eastern Championships for gymnastics at the Georgia International Convention Center May 7-9.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING MAY 5, 2021

GAS PIPELINE EXPANSION

At the latest Lycoming County Commissioners meeting, the commissioners approved a proclamation acknowledging this week as Institutional Parole and Corrections Employee Week. A $287,379 state grant to fund a gas pipeline extension to the Timber Run Industrial Park was recently approved by the Lycoming County Commissioners. According to a media outlet, Digger Specialties, Inc. is opening a facility and employing up to 150 people. Lycoming County Planning and Community Development Executive Director Shannon Rossman said the grant will fund a portion of the project. The Commonwealth Financing Authority approved the grant for the project in April.

BRIDGE BUNDLING PROJECT

At the latest Lycoming County Commissioners meeting, the commissioners approved a proclamation acknowledging this week as Institutional Parole and Corrections Employee Week. Lycoming County Commissioners have approved McTish, Kunkel & Associates for inspection work for the first phase of the county bridge bundling construction project, which involves repairs to 17 structurally deficient bridges and costing upwards of $76,734. They also approved Smith Excavating & Construction LLC for right-of-way access work to the Shriver’s Ridge Tower site at a cost of $29,600. Also,  a three-year agreement with Schuylkill Mobile Fone for pagers was approved at the cost is $10 per pager per month, according to a media outlet.

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT SCHOOL BOARD TAX INCREASE

In the South Williamsport School Board, in order to address issues resulting from the shutdown of schools last year, the motion for adding the second grade teacher and the elementary instructional intervention teacher passed unanimously. Also passed, a motion about hiring the position of director of student services, with a 5-2 vote, according to a media outlet.

STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT MONTOURSVILLE

Montoursville Borough Council approved Glenn O. Hawbaker Inc. for street improvement work at a cost of $402,598 during its meeting this week. The project, set to get under way this summer, is to include paving of Walnut Street and replacement of curbs. According to SUN Gazette, the council also approved the paving of Church Alley for $4,200. Kristin McLaughlin, of SEDA-Council of Governments, which administers the dollars, said the borough could potentially receive $98,000 this year.  The borough also adopted the Lycoming County Mitigation Plan. and reported the community-wide yard sale will be June 4 and 5. The next council meeting is set for 7 p.m. Monday, June 7 at the John Dorin Municipal Building, 617 N. Loyalsock Ave.

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT TAX INCREASE

Jamie Mowrey, business manager at the South Williamsport Area School District, repeated her recommendation that the board increase real estate taxes in the district by .32 percent for the 2021-22 fiscal year, but action on the measure will not be taken until the next meeting. According to a media outlet, the lease for iPads and cyber school tuition were the main costs driving up the deficit.

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT AREA SCHOOL BOARD POLICE PURCHASES

The South Williamsport Area School Board approved the purchase of a 2015 Ford Explorer Utility Interceptor for $11,000 from the South Williamsport Borough Police. Along with the vehicle, the board OK’d purchasing vehicle equipment for $3,000; firearms and safe, $1,250; personal protection, $130; and a taser, $500 for a total cost of $15,380. The items will be used by the school’s police program, according to a media source.In addition, the 2021 graduation list was approved by the board. Graduation is scheduled for June 4. The board’s next meeting date to Aug. 9.

LYCOMING COUNTY JUDGES RECUSED

All of the judges in the Lycoming County are recused from the case of Jonathan Kula, of Pennsdale. State police and county detectives allege that Kula had unlawful sexual contact with multiple minors on multiple occasions between 2018 and 2020. According to Lycoming County President Judge Nany L Butts,”…The defendant is the son of a deputy sheriff and based upon long-standing county court policy, it is ordered and directed that all of the county judges are recused,” The county judges can still handle administrative matters pertaining to Kula’s case, like scheduling.  According to an online media outlet, while Kula awaits a hearing before an out-of-county judge, he remains free on unsecured bail in all three child sexual abuse cases filed against him. His next scheduled court date is June 4.

WILLIAMSPORT AREA LITTLE LEAGUE

Williamsport Area Little League President Ron Diemer has headed a campaign to return WALL to its original home in Brandon Park.  Recently, Williamsport City Council gave the league a five-year lease to revitalize and create a new beginning to a city staple. According to Northcentralpa.com, Brandon Park was the longtime home for Brandon Little League until it changed its name to represent the city. When the fields fell into disrepair, the WALL moved Old Lycoming Township. That will change as Diemer and his team look to start practicing on the field as soon as possible.

PENNSYLVANIA RESIDENTS MITIGATION RESTRICTIONS RELAX

With careful exception to masking requirements, Mitigation orders—all COVID-19 restrictions related to gatherings, restaurants, and other businesses –will be lifted in Pennsylvania on Memorial Day, Monday, May 31 at 12:01 a.m., according to an announcement from the Wolf administration in coordination with the COVID-19 Vaccine Joint Task Force.The current order requiring Pennsylvanians to wear masks will be lifted when 70% of Pennsylvanians age 18 and older are fully vaccinated. Face coverings are required to be worn indoors and outdoors if you are away from your home. In accordance with the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance, fully vaccinated Pennsylvanians are not required to wear a mask during certain activities.

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING MAY 4, 2021

SEXUAL ASSAULT CHARGES

A Williamsport man is charged with the 2019 sexual assault of a woman in the city. James J. Thomas is accused by Williamsport Bureau of Police of sexually assaulting a woman in the 1000 block of High Street. He is incarcerated at the Lycoming County Prison, in lieu of $250,000 monetary bail set by Magisterial District Judge Christian D. Frey on April 20.

ASSAULT CHARGES IN MUNCY

According to court records filed by Muncy Police, on April 26th around 4:40 pm, inside the apartment at 8 S Washington, Street Richard Bates reportedly was shouting for someone to call police. At this time, Sheree Speicher was allegedly beating on him with a metal pole. Bates suffered multiple bruises and welts over much of his body, according to a media outlet. Following her arraignment before District Judge Jon E. Kemp on multiple misdemeanors,  Speicher was initially jailed in the Lycoming County Prison, but has since been released on $10,000 bail.

PROSTITUTION CHARGES 

Angela Marie Burns returned to prostitution a week after her release from a state prison and her placement on parole, according to the Sun Gazette. An undercover sting brought charges and Burns to a hearing before District Judge Jon E  Kemp.

GOVERNOR TOM WOLF VISITING PHILADELPHIA

Governor Tom Wolf today visited the Philadelphia Flyers organization at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia to discuss COVID-19 vaccine efforts in Pennsylvania. “Today, Pennsylvania has hit a significant milestone in our vaccination efforts. Now, 50 percent of Pennsylvanians have received their first vaccination,” said Gov. Wolf. The Flyers recently launched a comprehensive COVID-19 vaccine campaign, ‘Take Your Shot’, encouraging Pennsylvanians to get vaccinated.

LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL WORLD SERIES IS A GO

The Little League® Baseball World Series events will be held, as scheduled, this August in Williamsport, Pennsylvania featuring teams solely from the United States. Based on the recommendation of the 2021 Little League International Pandemic Response Advisory Commission, the Little League International Board of Directors approved a plan that incorporates a series of COVID-19 mitigation measures to host these tournaments in a healthy, responsible environment. Fans can expect changes, those of which can be viewed on the Little League Website. However, The MLB Little League Classic will be played Aug. 22 at Bowman Field as scheduled between the Los Angeles Angels and the Cleveland Indians.

PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH COVID-19 DASHBOARD FOR TODAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health has released new COVID-19 dashboard numbers for our area:

Lycoming 16 new; Bradford 10; Centre 10; Columbia 6; Clinton 7; Montour 0; Northumberland 12; Snyder 5; Sullivan 2 and Union  5 cases reported.

SHOOTING IN SUNBURY

Vehicles and property were damaged during gunfire in the area of Susquehanna Avenue in Sunbury last night, according to an online media outlet.  Neighbors in the 1000 block reported hearing several noises, which could have been gunshots, about 8 p.m. Following a search for suspects and vehicles, Sunbury Police say one person was taken into custody.

CWD MEETING FOR THE PUBLIC

The National Deer Association, in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Game Commission and Wildlife Futures Program, is holding a series of meetings about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), a disease that always is fatal to the deer and elk it infects. All meetings will be public and held virtually through Zoom. Information presented at each of the six meetings will be tailored to a different Game Commission region. The Northcentral Region meeting is set for May 6, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Each meeting features presentations on CWD, followed by a question-and-answer session. At present, CWD has not been detected in all parts of Pennsylvania. CWD prevalence is highest in the area of south central Pennsylvania designated as Disease Management Area 2.The links for the meetings can be accessed through the Pennsylvania Game Commission web site.

PENNSYLVANIA COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY

Pennsylvania College of Technology electrical construction  students are offering assistance to local  nonprofit organizations. The-students are in a fourth-semester class in the electrical construction associate degree major, according to an online media source. It’s really a win-win. Students can enhance their skills while serving the community and nonprofits receive valuable services for no cost of labor. Past class projects include designing a park’s electrical system, installing 120-volt outlets and replacing analog meters. Williamsport area nonprofits can visit Penn College’s website for additional information and to request services.

Sports

 

High School Softball

South Williamsport over Sayre 16-2; Muncy over Sugar Valley 16-1;

High School Baseball

Shikellamy over Montoursville 9-3; South Williamsport shut out East Juniata 11-0; Central Mountain shut out Williamsport 5-0;

 

Boys Tennis

Muncy over Loyalsock 3-2;

Boys Lacrosse

Lewisburg over Bellefonte 17-5

 

Little League

Blaise Alexander over Allstate 4-2

Blaise Alexander over Hughesville Lions 13-5

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING May 3, 2021

PORCH FIRES

Three porch fires kept area fire personnel busy on Saturday. The first was around 11 a.m. on 3847 Wallis Run Rd. in Gamble Township remains under investigation. Careless discarding of smoking materials caused a fire at the rear of 225 Washington Blvd, during the afternoon. The third fire was in a planter at 2010 Mosser Ave. at 10:10 p.m. and careless discarding of smoking materials the cause.  According to SUN Gazette, while all fires caused minimal damage and were out quickly, city fire officials urge a metal can with water for disposing of cigarettes.

TEDxWILLIAMSPORT

Returning this fall on October 16th is TEDxWilliamsport. Ten speakers who have ideas worth sharing around the theme of “InterconnecTED were chosen.” According to a media outlet, October’s speakers include: Sandra Lane, Lisa Longo, Mallori DeSalle, Adriana Richard,  Jennifer Demchak,Star Poole, John Shableski, Shaheem Hill, Dan Brauning, and Dr. Howard Woodruff. Tickets will go on sale in September. More information is available on the TEDxWilliamsport web page.

DEADLINE FOR VOTER REGISTRATION 

Today is the deadline to sign up for Pennsylvania residents wishing to vote in the May 18 municipal primary election. Clinton County Government on Saturday posted a reminder on social media: The Clinton County Board of Elections encourages all eligible Clinton County voters to make sure they are registered and that the information is up to date. Voters can choose the online voter registration system  or obtain a copy of the voter registration form at the Clinton County Piper Building located at 2 Piper Way in Lock Haven.

FELONY CHARGES FOR FIREARMS CRIME

After allegedly stealing a pickup truck near Elimsport and driving it to 2394 Old Lairdsville Rd in Moreland Township, Lucas Drick, Allenwood, fired a shotgun round into the widow of an occupied residence on Wednesday afternoon. According to Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Logan Webb, Drick was charged with multiple felonies, arraigned before the Honorable Judge Jerry Lepley and committed to the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $100,000 bail.

MONTOURSVILLE AREA SCHOOL BOARD 

The 2021-22 budget was released for the Montoursville Area School District and is projected to have no increase in real estate taxes for borough homeowners, according to an online media outlet.  Although no tax increase is expected,  there has been an increase in the revenue from real estate taxes of $26,580 can be attributed to tax assessment changes.

EAST LYCOMING SCHOOL BOARD BUDGET

The East Lycoming School Board approved next year’s proposed district budget that includes a 0.58 tax millage increase. The next board meeting is set for 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 11.

PENNSYLVANIA RESIDENT’S PERSONAL INFORMATION LEAK

According to the Pennsylvania Dept of Health, private information of over 70,000 Pennsylvanians may have been exposed by a data security breach at an Atlanta-based company. The company was contracted to conduct COVID-19 contact tracing in Pennsylvania but the Associated Press reported the company’s employee’s apparently shared confidential information via unauthorized Google accounts, Some of the leaked information included Pennsylvanians’ phone numbers, emails, genders, sexual orientations and COVID-19 diagnoses.

GREEN BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

United Plate Glass,  Sunbury was named 2021 Green Business of the Year by the Central Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce. According to the Daily Item,  company President  Nate Lawrence, who co-owns the business at 4762 State Route 890 with Dave Zartman, says the company recycles 30,000 pounds of glass a year and 200 pounds of aluminum a week. The Green Business Award is made from the top of a recycled steel drum container and was presented on April 27. The previous winner of the Green Business of the Year Award was Bear Rental, Northumberland (2020).

BUSINESS IN LEWISBURG CLOSING

The Purple Platypus in Lewisburg will close on May 29, according to a post on the store’s Facebook page and a sign on the door. Tabitha Geise, a second-generation owner of Purple Platypus at 335 Market St., said in the post on social media that the demands of running the shop have become too much and she wants to focus on her family. Geise was unable to be reached for additional comment. The store was opened by Geise’s mother-in-law Jody Geise from 1988 to 2015. Tabitha Geise took over ownership in 2011.

CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

On March 5, 2020, police received a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that child pornography was uploaded by a Microsoft OneDrive user on Dec. 22, 2019. With that, Timothy Wayne Chrisenberry was charged on April 15 with 49 felony counts of sexual abuse of children (possession of child pornography) and one felony count of criminal use of a communication facility. According to Northcentralpa.com,  Chrisenberry is incarcerated at the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $150,000 monetary bail.

UPDATED INFORMATION ON DRUG CHARGES IN LOCK HAVEN

Authorities yesterday released details on two arrests following an early Wednesday morning search of a Lock Haven apartment. The officers and agents from the Region 4 East Drug Task Force, entered the residence using a narcotics search warrant at 5 Corning St. 3rd Floor Apt. Lock Haven. According to a media outlet, two individuals were located inside the residence, Janet Evans and Jason Young were charged with multiple violations and arraigned by District Judge Frank Mills with bail on Young at $20,000 monetary and $10,000 unsecured on Evans. Both will make their first court appearance on Tuesday, May 4 in Clinton County Central Court.

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 30, 2021

FATAL DOMESTIC

A fatal shooting leaves one dead and one in custody stemming from the domestic situation at the Fairlawn Court, 3605 Lycoming Creek Road, in Lycoming Township just before 7 p.m. yesterday, according to Old Lycoming Township police. Sun Gazette reports the deputy county coroner was en route to the trailer park..

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF
Bryant Engle of Towanda, was reported to be “loud and intoxicated” when he smashed seven windows on the William Street side of the Genetti Hotel on Fourth Street around 3 am Wednesday. Police have filed charges and jailed Engle after being ruled unfit for arraignment, Engle has since been released on $20,000 bail.

NO INCREASE IN TAXES MONTOURSVILLE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

The 2021-22 budget was released for the Montoursville Area School District and is projected to have no increase in real estate taxes for borough homeowners, according to an online media outlet. Although no tax increase is expected, there has been an increase in the revenue from real estate taxes of $26,580 can be attributed to tax assessment changes.

EAST LYCOMING SCHOOL BOARD TAX INCREASE

The East Lycoming School Board approved next year’s proposed district budget that includes a 0.58 tax millage increase. The next board meeting is set for 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 11.

ARMED ROBBERY CHARGES 

A Williamsport man arrested for robbing the Lewisburg Jersey Mike’s Subs at gunpoint now faces charges for robbing a New Columbia gas station in January. Kenneth Robert Gough Jr was arraigned Wednesday on felony robbery charges for entering the Stop Convenience Store/Sunoco gas station on New Columbia Road in White Deer Township and demanding money. For the New Columbia robbery case, Gough was arraigned by Union County District Judge Jeffrey C. Mensch. He remains in Union County Prison. No suspect has been arrested yet in relation to two armed robberies at Jersey Mike’s Subs in Williamsport on March 15 and April 9, though similarities are reported to exist with these armed robberies, according to an online media source.

FALSE STATEMENTS CHARGES
The Office of the State Inspector General filed a felony false statements charge against a Williamsport woman suspected of failing to report wages.Kayla Lopez, made false statements to the Lycoming County Assistance Office, between July 1, 2020, to Feb. 25, 2021.The Inspector General’s office claims Lopez received $2,071.50 in cash assistance while also receiving wages from Family Care Home Health, LLC, which she allegedly failed to report.

UPDATED COVID-19 DASHBOARD

The PA Dept. of Health released updated COVID-19 Dashboard numbers and locally: Lycoming: 26 new; Sullivan: 4; Columbia: 32; Montour: 6; Northumberland: 15;  Union: 10; Snyder: 3 and Clinton: 17 cases.

CHARGES WITHDRAWN FOR WILLIAMSPORT MAN
Felony criminal trespass and misdemeanor disorderly conduct charges recently were withdrawn against Steven Maurice Williams. According to a media outlet, Williamsport Police charged Williams, claiming he violated a Protection From Abuse order by kicking in a door and taking items from a residence in the 300 block of Market Street on Jan. 30. Williams was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Aaron S. Biichle, who set Williams’ bail at $85,000 monetary. He was confined to Lycoming County Prison on April 1 until charges against him were withdrawn on April 15.

LOCK HAVEN DRUG ARRESTS 

Authorities yesterday released details on two arrests following an early Wednesday morning search of a Lock Haven apartment. Where officers and agents from the Region 4 East Drug Task Force entered using a narcotics search warrant at 5 Corning St. 3rd Floor Apt. Lock Haven and found Janet Evans and Jason Young. They were charged with multiple violations and arraigned by District Judge Frank Mills with bail on Young at $20,000 monetary and $10,000 unsecured on Evans. Both will make their first court appearance on Tuesday, May 4 in Clinton County Central Court.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 28, 2021

STAND-OFF

State Police in Towanda report a stand-off ended peacefully when the suspect’s mother opened the door for Troopers to take Marc Petrucci into custody. According to Northcentralpa.com on April 15, Petrucci fled a parole officer and locked himself inside this residence. Petrucci was arrested and multiple charges filed. He is held at the Bradford County Prison in lieu of $50,000 monetary bond with a preliminary hearing scheduled for Wednesday.

UPDATED COVID-19 DASHBOARD

The PA Dept. of Health local COVID-19 dashboard numbers are: Lycoming: 25 new; Tioga: 3;  Bradford: 11;  Sullivan:  3;  Columbia: 12; Montour: 2; Northumberland: 15; Union: 8; Snyder: 6; Clinton: 12 cases.

COUNTYWIDE ACTION PLANS

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced yesterday that twelve counties in DEP’s Northcentral Region have taken the first significant step to improving the health of local waterways. The counties, with the assistance of DEP, are creating Countywide Action Plans (CAP) to identify projects that will reduce nutrient and sediment pollution in the Susquehanna River and its tributaries and are looking for local groups to get involved, according to a media outlet.

MODIFICATION TO BAIL

A Clinton County Judge granted a motion to modify his bail and a Hughesville man charged with rape of a child is in jail. Common Pleas Judge Michael F. Salisbury modified bail to $125,000 monetary for Aaron Clark charged by state police at Lamar of sexually assaulting a 9-year-old female. According to a media outlet, Clark has been confined to the Clinton County Correctional Facility since April 19.

SUPPRESSION HEARING UPCOMING

The attorney for a juvenile charged as an adult claims police coerced statements and searched his home without a warrant. Nigel Staten-Chambers is accused by Williamsport Police of firing five rounds from a pistol at an Old School Pizza delivery driver in the 900 block of Market Street Nov. 21 has been confined to the Lycoming County Prison since Dec. 1 without bail. According to an online media source, President Judge Nancy Butts is scheduled to hear arguments in the suppression matter on May 4.

FIRST COURT CASE SINCE HOMICIDE

A teenager charged with homicide has his first court appearance set for Tuesday, May 25. Brian St. John III, 19, will appear before District Judge Keith Kibler. He remains incarcerated at the Clinton County Correctional Facility after his arrest following the Feb. 26 incident. He was arrested and charged with the killing, Jakob Lee Haines, during a gathering at the St. John home  in Woodward Township, according to a media source.

FACEBOOK LIVE TONIGHT

The Williamsport Crosscutters will be hosting a special Facebook Live event, Wednesday, April 28, at 7 pm to discuss plans for the upcoming 2021 season, give fans an opportunity to hear up-to-date information on ordering tickets, stadium capacity limits and social distancing. The campaign begins on May 24 in State College with the team’s home opener to follow on May 25 as play begins in the all-new MLB draft league

NATIONAL WORK ZONE AWARENESS WEEK

The Pennsylvania State Police, Dept of Transportation and the Turnpike Commission yesterday kicked  off National Work Zone Awareness Week. The week designed to highlight the critical importance of safe driving through work zones, runs through April 30. The theme of this year’s work-zone safety campaign is “Drive safe. Work safe. Save lives.”

DONATION TO PENN COLLEGE

The Larry A. Ward Machining Technologies Center, a newly revamped facility thanks to a donation of over $1 million, the largest alumni gift in Penn College history. According to a media outlet, Ward , a 1966 graduate,  his donation added improvements including new lighting, flooring, fixtures and more. Ward gave and continued to give, as he continues to hire students from Penn College to work as his company.

ACCESSIBLE RAMP, DOOR, ELEVATOR 

The City Council’s finance committee provided thumbs up to an accessible ramp construction project on the north side of City Hall. The projects price tag is estimated at $160,000 to $180,000. The ramp and  an elevator modification —according to sun gazette is a bid that is going to arrive in coming weeks — are requirements as part of a settlement to avoid a potential lawsuit enacted by advocates for the disabled community.

Sports:

 

High School Sports

Boys Tennis

Wellsboro shut out Muncy 5-0; Lewisburg shut out Jersey Shore 5-0

 

Softball

Central Columbia shut out Montoursville 2-0; Williamsport over Punxsutawney 8-2; Loyalsock shut out Southern Columbia 14-0; Jersey Shore topped Milton 6-2

 

Baseballl

St John Neumann over Sullivan county 20-8; Muncy over Northwest 11-1;

 

Little League

Blaise Alexander over American Legion Post 268 12-2

Hughesville over Kiwanis 30-20

Lock Haven over Cable Services 13-8

 

 

 

 

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 27, 2021

STAND AGAINST VIOLENCE EVENT

YWCA Northcentral PA’s “Stand Against Violence” is an event held to educate people on the issue of sexual assault.  Lycoming Chief County Detective  William Weber was awarded for his work towards helping sexual assault victims. According to SUN Gazette, YWCA’s executive director, Dawn Linn, noted in 2020, the YWCA served over 240 Lycoming County individuals, both males and females, were impacted by sexual assault. Several social and law enforcement agencies were represented, such as the DA’s office, Children and Youth, the State Police and Big Brothers/Big Sisters at the event.

WILLIAMSPORT OFFICER OF THE YEAR

City Police Agent Brittany Alexander, who has been an agent since August 2019 and is an eight-year police veteran, received Williamsport Bureau of Police’s highest honor — Officer of the Year — yesterday.  According to an online media outlet, she received the honors from Chief Damon R. Hagan at a ceremony held in City Council Chambers of City Hall. Alexander assisted in the investigation of violent crimes, working with fellow agents to issue search warrants, conduct interviews and retain a large caseload of crimes against children.

NEW DIRECTOR OF NORTHCENTRAL REGION OFFICE PGC

The Pennsylvania Game Commission has appointed new director at its Northcentral Region Office. According to SUN Gazette, David Carlini, who grew up in Brockway, Jefferson County, moved to Lock Haven, where he now resides, when he was promoted to the Northcentral Region Office. Carlini says he’s excited to reunite with the Northcentral Region staff and getting to work to continue protecting wildlife and enhancing their habitats.

STATE REPRESENTATIVE IDENTITY THEFT

A state lawmaker  warning residents to be protective of  private information after he became a victim of identity theft. State Rep. Jeff Wheeland, R-Loyalsock Township, according to Sun-Gazette, first became aware of suspicious activity when notified by the state that his unemployment compensation was denied. Wheeland said a credit card he and his wife share was used by someone in Chester County between Feb 14 and March 17 according to Pennsylvania State Police. Without any clue how someone could obtain his personal information, Wheeland is left to wonder if someone had stolen his social security number.  Frustrated, he remarked, ““Protect all your private information. Guard it with your life,” he said.

PENNSYLVANIA LOST AN ELECTORAL VOTE

For Pennsylvania, it is the 10th consecutive decade the Keystone State has lost clout in Congress and presidential contests because of a lagging population growth. As, one of the most important presidential battlegrounds we will have one fewer electoral vote to offer candidates in the next election — from 20 to 19 — and one less representative in the U.S. House. Lagging population also means Pennsylvania will not profit from as much federal money for Medicaid and social programs. According to SUN Gazette, in Congress, Pennsylvania will have 17 U.S. House seats for 18 incumbent U.S. House members for when year’s elections roll around.

INTEGRATION EDGING CLOSER

The proposed integration of LHU, Mansfield and Bloomsburg Universities, edges closes to completion. According to Sun Gazette,   the Board of Governors are set to meet tomorrow in Harrisburg to receive the integration plans. With receipt of the consolidation proposals — which are the culmination of many months of meetings involving multiple task forces established by PASSHE — prompts a 60-day public committee period before the board is slated to complete, the integration in July.

RECOVERING AMERICA’S WILDLIFE ACT

Launched to Congress on Earth Day, the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act is the latest and boldest set of initiatives for fish and wildlife in history according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission and Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. According to an online media outlet, the bipartisan legislation dedicate $1.3 billion annually to state fish and wildlife agencies, and $97.5 million to tribal fish and wildlife managers, which could provide a 20th Century funding solution to address increasing declination of the nation’s fish and wildlife and their natural habitats. Under the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, Pennsylvania would receive dedicated annual federal fish and wildlife conservation funding upwards of $20 million to better address the conservation actions.

ASSAULT RELATED CHARGES FROM JANUARY SHOOTING

A January shooting inside Timberland Apartments, 750 W Edwin Street, Williamsport  has Darren Donnell Brown, 30, of Williamsport, is in custody on charges according to Williamsport City Police. Fortunately no one was injured when Brown, of 331 Center St., is said to have discharged a handgun “in close proximity”  to his girlfriend’s head, during a domestic altercation,  about 1:50 p.m. on Jan. 9, police said. According to the SUN Gazette, Brown has been arrested on assault-related charges and locked up in the Lycoming County Prison in life of $250,000 bail with  a preliminary hearing this week before District Judge Christian Frey.

UPDATED COVID-19 NUMBERS LOCALLY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health has issued updated COVID-19 numbers for our area. Locally, Lycoming: 7 cases; Potter: 0; Tioga: 6; Columbia: 18; Montour: 1; Northumberland: 10; Union 9; Snyder: 4; Clinton: 1.

PROSTITUTION CHARGES

Pennsylvania State Police accuse a Williamsport woman for engaging in prostitution at a motel located in Clinton Township. Angela M. Burns, 38, charged on April 14 with multiple misdemeanor counts of promoting prostitution between March 9 and  March 11  at the White Deer Motel, 6967 US 15 Highway. According to an online media source,  following a sting operation, the Pennsylvania State Police  arrested Burns and her preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Jon E. Kemp on May 28.

VEHICULAR HOMICIDE CHARGES

Pine Creek Township Police filed vehicular homicide charges against a 19-year-old Lock Haven woman.Officer Dennis F. Gill Jr. alleges, in documents filed April 12,  that Dasia Ann Woolf was under the influence of a controlled substance when her vehicle crashed, causing the death of a 58 year old male truck driver from New York, on Route 220 in Wayne Township around 9 pm Aug. 11.  According to northcentralpa.com, Woolf is charged with one felony count each of the following: homicide by vehicle, aggravated assault by vehicle, homicide by vehicle while DUI and aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI. Her bail was set at $50,000 unsecured on April 13 by Magisterial District Judge Keith G. Kibler, who will oversee her preliminary hearing on May 11.

Sports

Boys tennis

Williamsport shut out Mifflinburg 5-0; Jersey Shore over Danville 4-1; Central Mountain shut out Shikellamy 5-0; Loyalsock topped Bloomsburg 3-2; Montoursville topped Milton 3-2; Lewisburg over Hughesville 3-2

High School Baseball

Williamsport over Mifflin County 5-4; Hughesville over Milton 4-2; South Williamsport over Troy 12-2; Montoursville over Lewisburg 14-1; Canton tops North Penn Mansfield 9-6; Sayre over Wellsboro 12-7

High School Softball

Williamsport over Mifflin County 5-4; Lewisburg over Jersey Shore 14-4

 HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL

Loyalsock Summer McNulty earned a spot on the 2021 Class AAA all state firs ream. (first player from Loyalsock first team selection since 1989).

 

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 26, 2021

ATTEMPTED HOMICIDE/SUICIDE LYCOMING COUNTY

Saturday night, a 34-year-old female is recovering from gunshot wounds  from being shot by Devin Joseph Brelsford, 34, following a domestic altercation involving alcohol  on Auchmuty Rd, Muncy Township, Lycoming County. After arguing with the victim, he was asked to leave and began to challenge the other people on the scene. He pulled a handgun from behind his back, cocked it and immediately shot the victim multiple times and himself in the head. Devin was pronounced deceased on the scene after several minutes of EMS lifesaving attempts.

CHARGES ACCUMULATING FOR CITY MAN

A Williamsport man, with two active criminal cases, was arrested again, Thursday, charged by Williamsport City Police with multiple misdemeanors following a DUI arrest. Matthew J. Zeigler, 49 , a prominent city attorney currently has open cases involving reckless endangerment and child abuse.  According to a media outlet, Zeigler’s next scheduled court date is an April 27 pre-trial hearing in the child abuse case being brought by the PA State Attorney General’s Office.

ATTEMPTED BREAK IN

After her arrest and incarceration following a disturbance on a school bus, a Lock Haven women was arrested again. Jolene Renee Fisher, 38, accused Woodward Township Chief of Police Stephen R. Falotico of attempting to forcefully enter a residence on the 100 block of Woodward Avenue, Crist Trailer Court on April 13. Without being successful, she fled the scene, driving with a suspended driver’s license. Her bail was set at $250 monetary on April 16, according to northcentralpa.com.

APPROVED GRANTS FOR CITY AND JERSEY SHORE

The Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) approved grants primarily focusing on recreation improvements. According to an online media outlet, Jersey Shore Borough, will receive $78,000 through the Greenways, Trails, and Recreation program to implement its Active Transportation Plan and $150,000 through the Multimodal Transportation Fund to support a streetscape project. Williamsport, the Economic and Community Growth Corporation has been awarded $200,000 in support of transforming a blighted property into a multi-field regional baseball and softball complex with funding also committed through the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce.

VEHICLE ACCIDENT

Blossburg fire crews responded to an accident  on Cherry Street, Arnot, Saturday morning. The victim, Marie Mattison of Arnot, was struck by a vehicle and dragged several feet before stopping and pinning her underneath.  She was rescued and flown to Robert Packer hospital by Guthrie Air according to Northcentralpa.com.

INCIDENT AT KNOBEL’S AMUSEMENT RESORT
According to an online media outlet,  Knoebel’s Amusement Resort received a phone call ‘prompting contact’ with local and state police shortly before 5 p.m. Sunday. Knobel’s reports the suspected area was been cleared, and a thorough search of the affected area found no threat after a police investigation ended around 8 p.m. Sunday. An investigation of the circumstances is ongoing.

TWO ALARM BLAZE IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY

According to Northumberland County 911,  a two alarm house fire, reported just before 7 p.m. at 1513 Boyer Hill Road in Upper Augusta Township was a devastating loss to the home owners. During the incident, firefighters were present for hours from volunteer departments in Snyder, Union, Montour and Northumberland Counties. Upper Augusta fire chief could not be reached for comment. The fire marshal, a Pennsylvania State Police Corporal was on scene for several hours.

TERRORISTIC  THREATS  IN WATSONTOWN

A Watsontown man threatened the post office staff and was arrested for multiple misdemeanors according to Watsontown Borough Police. Jason Paul Rank, 43, of Watsontown, is charged with misdemeanor terroristic threats, harassment and disorderly after calling the post office upwards of 22 times in less than an hour with threats and vulgar language. According to an online news outlet, Rank was upset because he hasn’t received his stimulus check.

ROUTE 22O WORK IN CLINTON COUNTY

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation announced that work on Route 220 between Slona and McElhattan with closures of the left (passing) lane in the Northbound and Southbound lanes. Work is being completed for the preparation to resurface the existing northbound and southbound lanes to be completed by early June.

WILLIAMSPORT CROSSCUTTER LIVE FACEBOOK EVENT

The Williamsport Crosscutter will be hosting a special Facebook Live event, Wednesday, April 28, at 7 pm to discuss plans for the upcoming 2021 season, give fans an opportunity to hear up-to-date information on ordering tickets, stadium capacity limits and social distancing. The campaign begins on May 24 in State College with the team’s home opener to follow on May 25 as play begins in the all-new MLB draft league.

Sports:

High School Softball

Williamsport Softball Tournament

Semifinal: Loyalsock shut out Williamsport 15-0;

Semifinal: Montoursville over Upper Dauphin 12-9;

Third place: Williamsport shut out  Upper Dauphin 5-0;

Championship game: Loyalsock topped Montoursville 6-3

Danville over Jersey Shore 11-3

High School Baseball

St John Neumann shut out Benton 16-0; Hollidaysburg over Williamsport 11-5; Canton over Sullivan County 15-8

Boys Tennis

Hughesville shut out Muncy 5-0

Girls Lacrosse

Crestwood over Lewisburg 20-8

 

 

 

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